Goverment propose landmark waste strategy.

Goverment propose landmark waste strategy

The government’s new proposed strategy to tackle climate change could see consumers pay returnable deposits on single use drink containers. The landmark move will see drink prices hike in the UK, with the consumer able to claim back the rise in price if the plastic, metal or glass container is recycled.

The strategy would also see manufacturers financially liable for disposing of the materials they produce, with the hope of this causing greater innovation towards sustainable packaging in the food and drink industry, who will also be required to clearly label recycling options on their products.

Businesses both large and small will also feel the effect of the government’s proposal, becoming legally responsible to pay for the disposal of their waste, and will have to pay more should their waste be unrecyclable or have very little reuse value.

There will also be greater clarification for household recycling practices, with a more blanket approach to what can be recycled, as opposed to current measures where recycling differs depending on postcode. Councils will be required to offer food waste collections and charging for garden waste will be scrapped, as when both wastes end up in landfill it produces methane gas, a large contributor to global warming.

The Environment Secretary Michael Gove said: “Our strategy sets out how we will go further and faster, to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Together we can move away from being a ‘throw-away’ society, to one that looks at waste as a valuable resource.”

The plans are set to come into effect in 2023, following a consultation next year.